72-year-old man found lifeless in water off New Smyrna Beach

Man dies at hospital; witnesses sought

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. – A 72-year-old man was found unresponsive Monday in the ocean off New Smyrna Beach, but lifeguards don’t know yet if his death was water-related or had to do with a medical incident.

Volusia County Beach Safety officials said pedestrians saw the man unresponsive in the water around 4 p.m. and immediately pulled him out to begin CPR.

The victim, who has not been identified, died at a nearby hospital, officials said.

Lifeguards said they are seeking information from anyone who might have witnessed anything.

Beaches across Volusia County are closed for everything except exercise as leaders across the state work to slow the spread of coronavirus.